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How Can I Apply For Indigo?

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Last updated on 5 min read

Need an Indigo card fast? Pre-qualify now at the official site to see your odds without hurting your credit. If approved, you’ll usually get your card in 14 business days.

What the Indigo card actually is

Think of the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® as a lifeline for folks with shaky credit (FICO 300–579 or VantageScore 300–649). You won’t need to plop down a deposit like with secured cards, but approval isn’t a sure thing—you still have to pre-qualify first. Annual fees run $0, $59, or $99 depending on your plan, and your starting credit limit lands somewhere between $225 and $300.

How do I apply for an Indigo card?

Start by pre-qualifying online to see if you’re likely to get approved.
  1. Pre-qualify – Head to Indigo’s card page and hit “Pre-Qualify Now.” You’ll need to share your name, email, mailing address, phone number, birthdate, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. In most cases, you’ll see your approval odds within minutes.
  2. Choose your plan – If you pre-qualify, you’ll get to pick from the available credit limits ($225–$300) and fee tiers ($0, $59, $99). Pick the one that fits your budget.
  3. Submit the full application – Fill in the rest of your details and verify your identity. They’ll do a soft credit pull, so your score stays untouched.
  4. Wait for approval – Most people hear back within minutes. Once approved, your physical card usually arrives in about two weeks.
  5. Activate & make your first payment – Use the sticker code on the card or call the activation number. Make at least the minimum payment ($25 or 1% of your balance, whichever is higher) by the due date on your first statement.

What happens after I pre-qualify?

You’ll see your available credit limit and fee options, then choose the plan that works for you.

After the pre-qualification step, you’ll get a clear look at your credit limit ($225–$300) and the annual fee tiers ($0, $59, $99). Pick the option that makes sense for your wallet. Then you’ll move on to the full application where you’ll fill in the remaining personal details and verify your identity.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most applicants hear back within minutes.

In most cases, you’ll get a decision almost instantly after submitting your full application. If approved, your card should show up in about 14 business days.

What if my application gets declined?

Don’t panic—you’ve got options to try next.
  • Try the mobile app route – Sometimes the in-app pre-qualification flow is smoother than the website. Download the Indigo Mobile App (iOS or Android) and use the in-app link.
  • Call reconsideration – Dial 866-946-9545 and ask the rep to review your application manually. If you think the auto-decision was off, this is your best shot.
  • Consider alternatives – If Indigo says no, check out the Credit One Platinum (no deposit, possible automatic credit limit increases) or a Capital One Platinum Secured ($49–$200 refundable deposit, $200–$2,000 limit).

What credit score do I need?

Indigo targets people with poor credit, roughly FICO 300–579 or VantageScore 300–649.

That said, the pre-qualification process is your real gatekeeper. Even if your score falls in that range, approval isn’t guaranteed—you still have to pass their internal review.

Is there a deposit required?

No deposit is needed, unlike with secured cards.

That’s one of the perks of Indigo—no cash upfront required. Your credit limit starts at $225–$300, and you’re good to go.

How much is the annual fee?

It depends on your plan: $0, $59, or $99.

Your fee tier depends on the credit limit you qualify for and the plan you choose. Honestly, this is one area where the fees can add up fast, so pick carefully.

What’s the starting credit limit?

Most new cardholders get a $225–$300 credit limit.

Your exact limit depends on your creditworthiness and the plan you select during pre-qualification.

Can I increase my credit limit later?

Indigo may automatically review and increase your limit over time.

They don’t promise automatic increases, but some cardholders see their limits go up after a few months of responsible use. If it doesn’t happen on its own, you can always call and ask.

What’s the interest rate?

Indigo’s APR is typically 24.90%–29.90% Variable.

That’s on the higher side, so if you carry a balance, interest charges can pile up quickly. Pay your bill in full each month if you can.

How do I activate my card?

Use the sticker code on the card or call the activation number.

Peel off the sticker on the front of the card and enter the code online, or dial the number printed on the card to activate it over the phone.

What’s the minimum payment?

It’s the higher of $25 or 1% of your balance.

Always make at least this amount by the due date on your statement to avoid late fees and potential credit score damage.

How do I avoid the “0 available credit” message?

Keep your credit utilization below 30% on the card.

That means if your limit is $300, try not to spend more than $90 at any time. Set up autopay for the minimum payment so you never miss a due date. Monitor your credit score monthly with free tools like Credit Karma or WalletHub; once your score hits 670+, you’ll likely qualify for better cards with lower fees and higher limits.

Maya Patel
Author

Maya Patel is a software specialist and former UX designer who believes technology should just work. She's been writing step-by-step guides since the iPhone 4, and she still gets genuinely excited when she finds a keyboard shortcut that saves three seconds.

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